Arsenal have the funds to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United this summer, though the Gunners are prioritising the signing of a central midfielder.
Isak is a player who Arsenal hold a long-term interest in and is valued north of £110m at Newcastle, a figure that would represent a club-record deal for the Gunners.
Arsenal are understood to have the funds available to pursue the Swedish striker, though Football Transfers are reporting that the club’s current focus is on additions in midfield with a reluctance to overspend on a single signing.
Kai Havertz’s fine form during the run-in has shifted Arsenal’s stance in the summer window with the priority now a midfielder to complement Declan Rice.
The Gunners were linked with signing Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle, though the date to activate his £100m release clause has since passed. Real Sociedad duo Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino remain on the radar of Arsenal’s recruitment team.
Chelsea are chasing a deal to sign Isak as the Londoners look to capitalise on Newcastle’s need to remain compliant with Premier League Profit and Sustainability regulations, though the Magpies are close to finalising the £35m sale of Elliot Andersen to ease those issues ahead of the June 30 deadline for the 2023-24 financial year.
Isak is not a player Newcastle want to sell after scoring 21 league goals last season, becoming the first player since Alan Shearer in 2003-04 to score 20 top-flight goals in a season for the Magpies.
Arsenal and Chelsea have each been linked with offering players in exchange in a bid to bring Newcastle’s asking price down and Gunners goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has been discussed as a potential option. However, Arsenal are ‘reticent’ to lose the England goalkeeper despite his second-choice status behind David Raya last season.
